jillian_benfield_logo-1.png

Open-Heart Surgery and The Power of Prayer (Down syndrome)

Posted: 9 years ago

Open-Heart Surgery and The Power of Prayer (Down syndrome)

Down syndrome, open-heart surgery
www.jillianbenfield.com

Hokey. That’s what I thought when people asked for prayers. Why would God care if one person versus one hundred people prayed for the same thing? It almost seemed superstitious to me-prayer by numbers.

In the last year, God has said “no” to almost all of our prayers. We didn’t get a base on our list. When we realized we would have to be re-stationed because of Anderson’s diagnosis- we again- didn’t get a base on our list. When we prayed that the hole in Anderson’s heart would close- it didn’t. I could go on.

I’ve written about my faith story before. It’s a common one. I had a bad church experience growing up and thought that all Christians must be hypocrites. But as I read the Bible myself, went through an intensive study course and did my own research-I had a change of heart. It was gradual, but dramatic.

But there was still the issue of prayer that I couldn’t wrap my head around. Of course, I was starting to see the benefit of individual prayer, but I wasn’t really sure if it mattered if people prayed for me. Prayer request time was always my least favorite time of any small group.

But today. The day I had to hand my sweet 5 month old over to doctors who would crack open his chest and cut into his heart, today I felt the amazing power of prayer.

I envisioned what it would be like, handing Anderson over to the OR team. I thought I would sob. I thought I would sit down and cry as they rolled him away. But the tears didn’t come. I thought as I sat in the waiting room for 5 hours, I thought they would be the darkest, scariest and loneliest of my life. They weren’t.

The strength was not my own. The peace was not my own. It was He whose power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9) I believe that power was even more consuming for us today because of the hundreds of prayers being said for us around the country.

We still have a long road ahead. Although the surgery went smoothly, it’s the recovery that is the most concerning part. Although we feel peace, there is still trouble. It is not easy seeing your baby sedated. It is not easy seeing my normally happy boy wincing in pain. It is not easy seeing him connected to multiple wires full of drugs I can’t pronounce.

Yes, there is heartache. But even in the pain, even though there’s a whole country separating us from family and friends, I have never felt more surrounded by love. Even though we are in the middle of a severe hardship, I have never known this kind of peace.

I have your prayers and a God who loves my precious son to thank for that.

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the PEACE of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phillipians 4:6-7

 

Anderson update:

As I write this Anderson is still sedated. He cries out in pain every once in a while. The surgery went very well and the breathing tube is out which is a really big step. We are told that we are in for a very long night as he comes out of sedation. We know he will be in a lot of pain. Please continuing praying for him. -6/18/15

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

Table of Contents

On Key

Related Posts

Glass art Marriages

My husband and I have been through hell and back. More than once. We were broken for a time, yes. But instead of staying that

Speaker Inquiries & Requests

For all media inquiries, please contact

The Gift of the Unexpected​

What if the unexpected is the beginning of becoming your truest self?

Jillian Benfield was living life in the spotlight as a TV journalist, but after receiving a life-altering diagnosis for her unborn son, she realized no camera-ready outfit could dress up her grief. Overcoming this unexpected circumstance wasn’t an option. She would have to undergo it instead. In doing so, she discovered who she was and who God wanted her to become.

In this riveting story filled with grit and grace, Jillian helps you break down the false constructs you’ve built around God and your identity. You won’t avoid your pain, but you’ll learn to feel it, in a healing way. And you’ll discover how your internal transformation leads to external purpose.

No matter what you’re going through, you’re invited to open this gift: The Gift of the Unexpected

The book is available on

Monthly Inspiration delivered straight to your inbox

Let's Be Friends

@jillianbenfieldblog

Book Jillian As A Speaker

Jillian is an inspiring speaker and tailors speeches to fit your group’s needs.